and the keepers dont check on the bees and supplement if needed through the winter??
These are bee experts. If it was that easy they would have done it.
http://www.beesource.com/resources/usda/supplemental-feeding-of-honey-bee-colonies/
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1006
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/331697/Wintering-bees.pdf
Oh stop it Chess, chickensoup is an internet bee expert who knows everything there is to know about beekeeping...............
So don't question him!